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Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Comparison

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Leica V-Lux 4

12 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CMOS Sensor

Leica V-Lux 4
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Leica V-Lux 3

12 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

Leica V-Lux 3
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Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing V-Lux 4 and V-Lux 3, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by Leica. Both Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 cameras have 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensors. Leica V-Lux 4 was introduced to market in September 2012 and Leica V-Lux 3 was launched in December 2011. There is only 9 months difference between V-Lux 4 and V-Lux 3 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

V-Lux 4 and V-Lux 3 are members of Leica's V-Lux series of cameras. Below you can find the latest models from this series.

Leica V-Lux Series History
Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
Leica V-Lux 5
  
2020 20.0MP - 1-inch 12.0 fps 137 x 97 x 132mm 812g
Leica V-Lux 4
2012 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 12.0 fps 125 x 87 x 110mm 588g
Leica V-Lux 40
  
2012 14.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 10.0 fps 105 x 59 x 28mm 210g
Leica V-Lux 3
2011 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 12.0 fps 124 x 81 x 95mm 540g
Leica V-Lux 30
  
2011 14.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 10.0 fps 105 x 58 x 43mm 219g

Here is a brief look at the main features of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Leica V-Lux 4 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-09-17
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 3200 ( expands to 6400)
  • 25-600 mm F2.8 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • 1312k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 12 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 588g. 125 x 87 x 110 mm
  • Replaced Leica V-Lux 3 Compare

Leica V-Lux 3 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-12-08
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • 12 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 220fps High-Speed Video
  • 540g. 124 x 81 x 95 mm
  • Replaced Leica V-Lux 2 Compare

Leica V-Lux 4 was replaced by Leica V-Lux 5. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Leica V-Lux 5 vs Leica V-Lux 4
Leica V-Lux 5 vs Leica V-Lux 3

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Leica V-Lux 4 over Leica V-Lux 3
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/2000s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
540 shots vs 410 shots 130 more frames with a single charge
Max Aperture - Tele
2.80 vs 5.20 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
13.5m vs 9.5m 4m longer range


Reasons to choose Leica V-Lux 3 over Leica V-Lux 4
Max ISO
6.400 vs 3.200 100% higher Max ISO
Weight
540 g vs 588 g 48 g lighter

Common Strengths of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Optical Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Adjustable LCD Screen
Fully Articulated vs Fully Articulated Flexible shooting positions
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Continuous Shooting
12.0fps vs 12.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Manual Focusing
Yes vs Yes both have manual focusing modes
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Microphone Port
Yes vs Yes High quality audio recording option
Focal Length - Tele
600mm vs 600mm Very good Telezoom
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Selfie/Vlogger Friendly LCD
Yes vs Yes Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
Common Weaknesses of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3
LCD Screen Resolution
460k dots vs 461k dots Low resolution screens
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
New4
Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Leica V-Lux 4 has external dimensions of 125 x 87 x 110 mm (4.92 x 3.43 x 4.33″) and weighs 588 g (1.30 lb / 20.74 oz) (including batteries). Leica V-Lux 3 has external dimensions of 124 x 81 x 95 mm (4.88 x 3.19 x 3.74″) and weighs 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3. Leica V-Lux 3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 1mm narrower, 6mm shorter and 15mm thinner than Leica V-Lux 4.

Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3.

Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3.
Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Leica V-Lux 3 is 48g lighter than the Leica V-Lux 4 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

V-Lux 4
V-Lux 3
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

V-Lux 4
V-Lux 3
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Leica V-Lux 4 nor Leica V-Lux 3 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Both cameras feature Fully Articulating screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels. Fully articulating screens are also useful for taking Selfie shots and video.
Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3: Sensor Comparison

Both Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 have 1/2.3-inch sized 12.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the V-Lux 4 and V-Lux 3 sensor size comparison.

Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Cameras


Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3 Lens Specs Comparison

Leica V-Lux 4 features a 25-600 mm F2.8 24× zoom lens whereas Leica V-Lux 3 features a 25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 24× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 25mm and have the same max aperture of f2.80 at this focal length. Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 600mm. However, with a max aperture of f2.80, Leica V-Lux 4 is faster than Leica V-Lux 3 at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 4
V-Lux 3
Widest - Samsung WB2200F
Average
Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 4
V-Lux 3
Longest - Nikon P1000
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 4
V-Lux 3
Fastest - Olympus 1
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

V-Lux 4
V-Lux 3
Fastest - Sony RX10 III
Average
What types of Photography are Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Leica V-Lux 4 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Leica V-Lux 3 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 for Street Photography

GOOD

Leica V-Lux 3 for Street Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Fully Articulated LCD Screen
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Leica V-Lux 3 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
23 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 540 shots
600 mm Tele Lens
Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
23 Focus Points
600 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Leica V-Lux 3 for Daily Photography

GOOD
RAW shooting capability
24.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
588g
Body Thickness 110mm
Read the details
RAW shooting capability
24.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
540g
Body Thickness 95mm
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Leica V-Lux 3 for Landscape Photography

POOR
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Leica V-Lux 4 vs Leica V-Lux 3: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Leica V-Lux 4 and Leica V-Lux 3 scores compare:

Leica V-Lux 4
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #21 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #359 out of 1226 in all Cameras
Leica V-Lux 3
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #31 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #427 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Leica V-Lux 4 has a higher Overall Score than the Leica V-Lux 3 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Leica V-Lux 4
Leica V-Lux 4
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Leica V-Lux 3
Leica V-Lux 3
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Leica V-Lux 3 vs Leica V-Lux 4 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Leica V-Lux 4 Leica V-Lux 3
Brand Leica Leica
Announced 2012-09-17 2011-12-08
Body Type SLR-like (bridge) SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size 1/2.3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 27.72mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 12 megapixels 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity 3,200 ISO 6,400 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 6400 ISO -
Min Native Light sensitivity 100 ISO 100 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 23 23
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-600 mm (24×) 25-600 mm (24×)
Max Aperture F2.8 F2.8-5.2
Macro Focus Range 1cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fully Articulated Fully Articulated
Size 3" 3"
Resolution 460k dots 461k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution 1,312k dots n/a
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 13.50 m 9.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 12.0 fps 12.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4, AVCHD MPEG-4, AVCHD, Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 588g 540g
Dimensions 125 x 87 x 110mm 124 x 81 x 95mm
Battery Life 540 shots 410 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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